What the vulnerability does
01Description
The WP User Manager plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Arbitrary File Deletion in all versions up to, and including, 2.9.12. This is due to insufficient validation of user-supplied file paths in the profile update functionality combined with improper handling of array inputs by PHP's filter_input() function. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with Subscriber-level access and above, to delete arbitrary files on the server via the 'current_user_avatar' parameter in a two-stage attack which can make remote code execution possible. This only affects sites with the custom avatar setting enabled.
Explanation of Vulnerability in Simple Terms
02Summary
WP User Manager versions up to 2.9.12 contain a vulnerability that allows authenticated users with low privileges to modify site data or disable functionality. The vulnerability requires network access and specific conditions to exploit, but does not require user interaction. Site administrators should update to a version newer than 2.9.12 to remediate the issue.
What an attacker can do
03Attacker Capabilities
Modify or delete site data and disable site functionality.
Potential impact on your site
04Site Impact
Authenticated users can corrupt data, alter settings, or cause service disruption without admin approval.
Conditions required to exploit
05Prerequisites
Attacker must have a low-privilege user account; specific attack conditions must be met.
Key dates
06Disclosure timeline
December 12, 2025
CVE published
April 8, 2026
Record updated
